1.Early screening strategies for metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Kaiye HUA ; Mengfan JIA ; Yingwei ZHU ; Zhonghua LU ; Jian LU ; Hong TANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):420-426
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease worldwide, and timely and precise intervention can delay disease progression and significantly reduce the risk of serious complications such as liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Although traditional liver biopsy combined with metabolic markers is the gold standard, it may cause complications such as pain and bleeding as an invasive examination, which has promoted scientific research to shift its focus to the construction of noninvasive assessment systems. In recent years, noninvasive diagnostic technologies based on multi-dimensional detection strategies have been continuously updated, including serological models, imaging techniques, and clinical algorithms. This article systematically reviews the screening methods for MAFLD during the fibrotic stages F1—F3, especially deep learning models based on artificial intelligence, in order to provide ideas for the early screening of MAFLD, as well as a scientific reference for optimizing disease management strategies.
2.Compact Fundus Imaging System Using Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing for High-speed Auto-focus
Zhe-Kai LIN ; Long CHEN ; Geng-Yong ZHENG ; Jin-Tian HUANG ; Jia-Xin DONG ; Shang-Pan YANG ; Wen-Zheng DING ; Ding-An HAN ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Ya-Guang ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1076-1086
ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.
3.Application and prospect of artificial intelligence in pharmacology research
Fu-xue KUANG ; Yu-jia SUN ; Zhi-hai QIU ; Hua-xun WU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1830-1834
This review analyzes the application status and pros-pect of big data and artificial intelligence technology in the field of pharmacology in recent years.Big data and artificial intelli-gence technology is the inevitable result of the information age,which not only promotes the development of biomedicine,but al-so opens up new ways for the development of pharmacology.Mo-reover,artificial intelligence(AI)is a multifaceted and evolving field applied to pharmaceutical R&D,health management,and new drug R&D.Consequently,this review discusses the applica-tion of artificial intelligence in pharmacology at different stages,discusses the existing shortcomings,and finally makes an out-look.
4.Ononin alleviates brain ischemic injury by modulating the Th17/Treg balance
Jia-hong GAO ; Li-hua HUANG ; Jin-qian SONG ; Tao PANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1835-1842
Aim To investigate the im-munomodulatory effects of Ononin on Th17/Treg bal-ance and inflammatory responses,and to evaluate its neuroinmune regulatory role in ischemic stroke.Methods A Foxp3 promoter-driven luciferase reporter assay was used to assess the effect of Ononin on Foxp3 transcriptional activity.The effect of Ononin on the dif-ferentiation of na?ve CD4+T cells into Th 17 and Treg subsets was evaluated by flow cytometry.A transient middle cerebral artery occlusion(tMCAO)model was established in mice to evaluate the effects of Ononin on infarct size,neurological recovery,body weight resto-ration,and survival rate.Flow cytometry and RT-PCR were conducted to elucidate the immunological mechanisms underlying Ononin's effects.Results On-onin significantly enhanced Foxp3 promoter activity,promoted the differentiation of na?ve CD4+T cells into Treg cells,and suppressed Th17 polarization.In the tMCAO model,Ononin significantly reduced acute in-farct size,improved survival,ameliorated long-term neurological deficits,and increased Treg cell propor-tions in ischemic brain tissue.Conclusions Ononin modulates peripheral and central inflammation by resto-ring the Th17/Treg immune balance,thereby exerting significant immunomodulatory effects.Its therapeutic benefit in ischemic stroke is closely linked to immune balance restoration.
5.Development of 96-channel genetic analyzer and its application in forensic medicine
Hailong CHANG ; Dan SUN ; Hua GUAN ; Tao ZHANG ; Erhui JIA
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;40(4):463-467
This study introduces the development of a 96-channel genetic analyzer and its application in forensic medicine.The instrument integrates a fluorescence excitation system,a fluorescence spectral imaging system,and a data acquisition and analysis system,enabling the simultaneous detection of 96 DNA samples.Performance validation in forensic science demonstrated that the analyzer can resolve DNA fragments differing by 1 bp,with accurate DNA typing and a detection sensitivity of 0.125 ng,while maintaining good repeatability.The system can effectively process various forensic samples,including blood cards,saliva cards,and shed cell swabs.In practical applications,the analyzer has significantly improved detection efficiency and shown excellent performance.Looking forward,by broadening the detection range of the nine-color fluorescence spectrum and enhancing the level of data intelligence,the instrument is expected to further strengthen its high-throughput multi-locus detection capability and efficiency,providing more powerful technical support for forensic DNA analysis.
6.Effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides on improving mouse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via regulation of Akt/mTOR/SREBP-1c signaling pathway
Shi-yao HUANG ; Liang KONG ; Jia-hua WANG ; Li-yan WANG ; Chao-wei SUN ; Xin-cheng LIU ; Yu-he DONG ; Li-yan GU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):58-65
AIM To investigate the improvement effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCPs)on mouse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS Forty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the blank group,the model group,the simvastatin group(4 mg/kg)and the high,medium and low dose PCPs groups(200,100 and 50 mg/kg),with 8 mice in each group.The NAFLD model was reproduced by 16 weeks feeding of high-fat and high-cholesterol diet,followed by 8 weeks administration of corresponding drug by gavage.The mice had their body mass and liver coefficient assessed;their levels of hepatic free fatty acid(FFA),and serum total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),γ-glutamyltransferase(γ-GT)and malondialdehyde(MDA)detected;their hepatic pathological changes and lipid deposition observed using HE staining,NAFLD activity score(NAS)and oil red O staining;and their hepatic protein expressions of Akt,mTOR,p-Akt,p-mTOR and SREBP-1c detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group demonstrated all increased body weight,liver coefficient,hepatic FFA level,and serum TC,TG,LDL-C,AST,ALT,γ-GT,MDA,IL-1β and TNF-α.levels(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased HDL-C level and activities of SOD and GSH-Px(P<0.05,P<0.01);more obvious hepatic pathological damage as revealed by increased NAS score(P<0.01)and increased lipid deposition area(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with high or medium dose PCPs,or simvastatin displayed decreased body weight,liver coefficient,hepatic FFA level,and serum TC,TG,LDL-C,AST,ALT,γ-GT,MDA,IL-1β and TNF-α levels(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased HDL-C level and SOD,GSH-Px activities(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased hepatic pathological damage as revealed by the decreased NAS score and lipid deposition area(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased hepatic protein expressions of p-Akt,p-mTOR and SREBP-1c protein(P<0.05)as well.CONCLUSION PCPs can improve mouse NAFLD,and its mechanism may lie in their function in reversing abnormal lipid metabolism via Akt/mTOR/SREBP-1c signaling pathway.
7.Analyzing the influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers
Maosheng YAN ; Xiongda HE ; Chunshuo CHEN ; Ning JIA ; Junle WU ; Guoyong XU ; Hua YAN ; Zhipeng HE ; Yongjian JIANG ; Jianyu GUO ; Bin XIAO
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(5):503-510
Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among construction workers. Methods A total of 5 783 workers were selected as participants from 12 construction companies in Guangdong Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Zhejiang Province using a convenient sampling method. The revised Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of WMSDs. Results The prevalence of WMSDs was 27.4% among the construction workers. The prevalence of WMSDs in shoulder, neck, waist/lower back and hand/wrist was 10.6%, 9.5%, 9.5% and 9.4% respectively, which was higher than that in other body parts. Bianry logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of WMSDs in construction workers with junior high school education and below was higher than that of high school/ college and above (P<0.05). The risk of WMSDs was higher in drinkers than that in non-drinkers (P<0.01). The worse the health status of construction workers, the higher the risk of WMSDs (P<0.01). The risk of WMSDs in those who exercised once or twice a month was lower than that in those who did not exercise (P<0.05). The risk of WMSDs was higher in construction workers with longer working hours in uncomfortable postures and greater back bending amplitude at work (all P<0.01). The risk of WMSDs in construction workers with hands holding above the shoulder was higher than that with hands below the shoulder (P<0.05). Construction workers who repeated the same work daily, involved in high-temperature work, often worked overtime, had insufficient rest time, and had a shortage of department personnel had a relatively high risk of WMSDs (all P<0.01). Conclusion The prevalence of WMSDs among the construction workers was relatively high, and the most common WMSDs occurred in shoulder, neck, waist/lower back and hand/wrist. Individual characteristic, work type, work posture and work organization are the influencing factors of WMSDs. Comprehensive measures, especially ergonomic measures based on personal and occupational characteristics should be taken to reduce the risk of WMSDs among construction workers.
8.A multicenter retrospective study on the clinicopathological features, genetic variant profiles and prognosis of patients with previously untreated Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Yongning JIANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Yaping ZHANG ; Yi XIA ; Yi MIAO ; Haiwen NI ; Jinning SHI ; Xiaohui ZHANG ; Min XU ; Haiying HUA ; Yun ZHUANG ; Wenzhong WU ; Maozhong XU ; Xiaoyan XIE ; Zhuxia JIA ; Yuqing MIAO ; Min ZHAO ; Jianyong LI ; Wenyu SHI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1069-1077
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the impact of age on the genetic variant spectrum and prognosis of patients with previously untreated Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and follow-up information of 254 previously untreated DLBCL patients from 14 hospitals in the Jiangsu Cooperative Lymphoma Group (JCLG) enrolled from July 2018 and July 2023. Following extraction of DNA from tumor tissue samples, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique was employed to analyze the genetic variant spectrum of the DLBCL patients, with an evaluation of the relationship between age and genetic variants as well as prognosis. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University (Ethics No.: 2023-K048-01).
RESULTS:
The median age of the 254 DLBCL patients was 62 years old, with 55% of patients aged 60 years or above. Clinical evaluation showed that younger (< 60 years) patients had higher complete response (CR) (70% vs. 59%), and objective response rate (ORR) (88% vs. 79%) than older patients, though the difference between the two groups was not statistically. Survival analysis indicated that both the five-year overall survival (OS) (82.7% vs. 71.7%, P = 0.006) and progression-free survival (PFS) (70.6% vs. 50.2%, P < 0.05) rates were significantly higher in younger patients. NGS showed that 99.6% of the patients harbored genetic variants, with PIM1, KMT2D, TP53, MYD88, and CD79B being the most common genes. Age significantly affected the variant frequency of certain genes, with MYC variants serving an adverse prognostic factor for OS in younger patients (P = 0.002), while TP53 (P = 0.024) and BCL2 (P = 0.002) variants significantly impacted OS in older patients. Prognostic analysis identified age ≥ 60 years (HR = 3.439, 95%CI: 1.318~9.874), presence of B symptoms (HR = 2.871, 95%CI = 1.133~7.307), and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (HR = 3.528, 95%CI = 1.231~10.66) as independent adverse prognostic factors.
CONCLUSION
Age, genetic variants, and clinical factors may significantly affect the prognosis of the DLBCL patients. Younger patients have better survival compared to older patients. Variants of the MYC, BCL2, and TP53 genes are closely associated with poor prognosis.
Humans
;
Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/diagnosis*
;
Middle Aged
;
Female
;
Male
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Aged
;
Prognosis
;
Adult
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
;
Young Adult
;
Adolescent
;
Genetic Variation
9.Effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides on improving mouse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via regulation of Akt/mTOR/SREBP-1c signaling pathway
Shi-yao HUANG ; Liang KONG ; Jia-hua WANG ; Li-yan WANG ; Chao-wei SUN ; Xin-cheng LIU ; Yu-he DONG ; Li-yan GU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):58-65
AIM To investigate the improvement effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCPs)on mouse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS Forty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the blank group,the model group,the simvastatin group(4 mg/kg)and the high,medium and low dose PCPs groups(200,100 and 50 mg/kg),with 8 mice in each group.The NAFLD model was reproduced by 16 weeks feeding of high-fat and high-cholesterol diet,followed by 8 weeks administration of corresponding drug by gavage.The mice had their body mass and liver coefficient assessed;their levels of hepatic free fatty acid(FFA),and serum total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),γ-glutamyltransferase(γ-GT)and malondialdehyde(MDA)detected;their hepatic pathological changes and lipid deposition observed using HE staining,NAFLD activity score(NAS)and oil red O staining;and their hepatic protein expressions of Akt,mTOR,p-Akt,p-mTOR and SREBP-1c detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group demonstrated all increased body weight,liver coefficient,hepatic FFA level,and serum TC,TG,LDL-C,AST,ALT,γ-GT,MDA,IL-1β and TNF-α.levels(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased HDL-C level and activities of SOD and GSH-Px(P<0.05,P<0.01);more obvious hepatic pathological damage as revealed by increased NAS score(P<0.01)and increased lipid deposition area(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with high or medium dose PCPs,or simvastatin displayed decreased body weight,liver coefficient,hepatic FFA level,and serum TC,TG,LDL-C,AST,ALT,γ-GT,MDA,IL-1β and TNF-α levels(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased HDL-C level and SOD,GSH-Px activities(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased hepatic pathological damage as revealed by the decreased NAS score and lipid deposition area(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased hepatic protein expressions of p-Akt,p-mTOR and SREBP-1c protein(P<0.05)as well.CONCLUSION PCPs can improve mouse NAFLD,and its mechanism may lie in their function in reversing abnormal lipid metabolism via Akt/mTOR/SREBP-1c signaling pathway.
10.MRI radiomics model for predicting postoperative prognosis of moderate carpal tunnel syndrome
Fan ZHAO ; Hongda LOU ; Weina WU ; Yingwei CHANG ; Hua GENG ; Limei JIA ; Guiping LI ; Yuping LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(6):963-966
Objective To observe the value of MRI radiomics model for predicting postoperative prognosis of moderate carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS).Methods A total of 126 patients with moderate CTS who underwent endoscopic release and fat-suppressed proton density weighted imaging(PDWI)before operation were retrospectively enrolled.The patients were divided into good prognosis group(n=80)and poor prognosis group(n=46)based on postoperative functional evaluation,also randomly divided into training set and validation set at a ratio of 7∶3.Volume of interest(VOI)of the median nerve was obtained through delineating ROI of the affected wrist on fat suppressed PDWI.Radiomics features were extracted,and those associated with postoperative prognosis of CTS were screened in training set.Clinical prediction model,radiomics model and combined model of these two were established,and the predictive efficacy of the models were evaluated and compared according to the area under the curve(AUC)of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results Patients in poor prognosis group were older than in good prognosis group(P<0.05).A clinical model was constructed based on age.The radiomics model was constructed based on 6 radiomics features associated with postoperative prognosis of CTS,with predictive efficacy(AUC=0.872)higher than that of clinical model(AUC=0.604,P<0.05)but not significantly different with that of the combined model(AUC=0.905,P>0.05).Conclusion MRI radiomics model could be used to effectively predict postoperative prognosis of moderate CTS.

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